Help for a pregnant neighbor

[amber.hodge]

Well, she is pregnant, and daddy decided to move out and leave her with a 1,000.00 rent bill plus more due this month. There is a legal discrepancy with the rent - that 1,000 should have been a concession on their lease, but when he moved and left her holding the bag the concession went bye-bye. At any rate, she went to DES but they can't help her until the baby is born which won't be till late August. She has a job with UoP but she's been on bedrest and is not getting paid. (I was with UoP when we were pregnant with and lost Scarlet last year and they did the same thing to me).....Anyway, I need 2 things.....any and ALL references to get help with paying utilities, rent and put food on the table in Mesa area.
Does anyone know of a lawyer that may be willing to work Pro Bono on a case?
Some people ask for charity when they still have their cell phones - she is using a pay phone and doesn't even have cable or a vcr. She is the sweetest girl ever and is getting shafted. I'm trying to research for her but am coming up short.

TO DONATE MONEY ANGELA POST MONEY INTO THIS PAY PAL ACCOUNT adam@levonius.com I AM GOING OVER TO AMBER'S HOUSE TO GIVE HER MY PAY PAL DEBIT CARD SO SHE CAN USE IT TO BUY EVERYTHING ANGELA NEEDS


FOR FURTHER QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT AMBER DIRECTLY.

Be sure to note that the money you are posting is Angela Donation so we can have the names of people who donated so we can send out thank you cards.

We are going to monitor and be stewards of this money so it can be spent wisely on what she NEEDS.

You can contact us at (amber) 602 502 4244 (ben) 602 214 1620 (email for both) amberhodge@cox.net

[shannonmac]

can she just break her lease and move into a new apt? i know moving won't be easy, but maybe less rent will help...does she get unemployment?

[GRUNT]

Mesa Fire Dept. my have some citizen assistance programs... The lady who used to run their programs was Michelle Adamchek. You can try calling and asking them...

[amber.hodge]

can she just break her lease and move into a new apt? i know moving won't be easy, but maybe less rent will help...does she get unemployment?

Rent is dirt cheap for her. It is 570 a month in a 1 bed - they got a couple of months free thing when signing onto the lease....then when dude left her high and dry they screwed her even worse by revoking the free rent and making it due immediately.
She is employed so she doesn't qualify for unemployment. UoP has her on a medical leave of absence and even though she's worked there 2 years, they aren't paying her on it.

[amber.hodge]

Mesa Fire Dept. my have some citizen assistance programs... The lady who used to run their programs was Michelle Adamchek. You can try calling and asking them...

She had actually asked me tonight if the fire department gave away car seats to those in need. He even took the bed when he left, so she is on a couch. We're giving her our bassinette from Scarlet, but I don't have a bed to offer her. I am sure she's more worried about having her electricity not shut off (she has the notice already) - I need to find an org. that helps with that - I know of some organizations but they are all for soldiers and military members.

[ROCRWLR]

Amber I know it is a long way to go but Goodyear Fire has car seats. I will make a phone call and see what I can do.

Dean

[amber.hodge]

Thanks. I'll make the drive out there to pick it up if they do.

[Joe West]

Amber,

Try posting in the "wanted" section for a bed or other items she may need.

Joe

[1eagle]

Through DES/ Family Assistance Administration she can receive cash in her last trimester of pregnancy. (Last three months) She is potentially eligibile for $204.00 in TANF(Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.) $155.00 for Food Stamps and AHCCCS. (Based on zero income and less than $2,000 in resources for Food Stamps and TANF.) AHCCCS (in most states know as Medicad) is Arizona's medical. If she was denied I can provide a main number for her on Monday that she can call and speak to a qualified person who will review her case and let her know if a correct decision was made. For rent assistance she can go to Mesa CAN (Community Action Network) but they usually run out of money the first week of the month. She also can apply for WIC (Women, Infants and Children). This pays for formula, cheese, milk, peanut butter etc.

[TRLR8TDTJ]

Is she having boy or girl? My wife recently had baby boy I am sure by August we should have stuff laying around he does not need. Some hospitals will provide car seat for people that cant afford one.

Kyle

[jporvaz]

I may have an infant car seat that she can have. I'll check tomorrow and let you know.

[Papa Mo]

She had actually asked me tonight if the fire department gave away car seats to those in need. He even took the bed when he left, so she is on a couch. We're giving her our bassinette from Scarlet, but I don't have a bed to offer her. I am sure she's more worried about having her electricity not shut off (she has the notice already) - I need to find an org. that helps with that - I know of some organizations but they are all for soldiers and military members.

I have a single bed/boxspring with wooden frame I can deliver it is from a old oak bunkbed I am going to Chandler Sun morning to get my CB cable & help with a transfer case. I can drop it off in the afternoon. 480-648-7132

[amber.hodge]

Amber,

Try posting in the "wanted" section for a bed or other items she may need.

Joe

Good idea - thanks

[amber.hodge]

Through DES/ Family Assistance Administration she can receive cash in her last trimester of pregnancy. (Last three months) She is potentially eligibile for $204.00 in TANF(Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.) $155.00 for Food Stamps and AHCCCS. (Based on zero income and less than $2,000 in resources for Food Stamps and TANF.) AHCCCS (in most states know as Medicad) is Arizona's medical. If she was denied I can provide a main number for her on Monday that she can call and speak to a qualified person who will review her case and let her know if a correct decision was made. For rent assistance she can go to Mesa CAN (Community Action Network) but they usually run out of money the first week of the month. She also can apply for WIC (Women, Infants and Children). This pays for formula, cheese, milk, peanut butter etc.

She sat at DES yesterday and they said all they could help her with is medical care, which she has through her employment at UoP.....but since she is on an unpaid leave of absense, it is like being unemployed....but not at the same time. I went through this with the same employer last year when I was pregnant and had to have an emergency c section. They didn't pay me anything, but I had medical, and I almost ended up without my apartment and utilities with remington because I was employed so didn't qualify for a lot of programs, but was not making any money. It is a really nasty catch 22.

[amber.hodge]

Is she having boy or girl? My wife recently had baby boy I am sure by August we should have stuff laying around he does not need. Some hospitals will provide car seat for people that cant afford one.

Kyle

Boy - she doesn't have much of anything for him and I'm going to check the hospitals if the car seat at fire dept or jpor doesnt work out.

[amber.hodge]

Papa Mo - will call you in a bit after I've had my coffee - right now I'm the creature from the dead!

[Kiwi]

Not to be on a sarcastic note here, but it seems that our south of the border friends don't seem to have any problems getting public assitance.

She may even have a hard time getting welfare because she knows who the dad is. They usualy try to make him pay up first. But maybe AZ is different, but in CA, all of the illegals knew they had to lie on the form and say they didn't know who the dad was.

[Papa Mo]

Papa Mo - will call you in a bit after I've had my coffee - right now I'm the creature from the dead!
Cool I go to work @ 9 off @ 3
THIS IS THE BOTTOM HALF TOP HALF LOOKS SIMILAR. Gotta love an 11 yo room!!
http://virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=12129&stc=1&d=1185031367

[amber.hodge]

Not to be on a sarcastic note here, but it seems that our south of the border friends don't seem to have any problems getting public assitance.

She may even have a hard time getting welfare because she knows who the dad is. They usualy try to make him pay up first. But maybe AZ is different, but in CA, all of the illegals knew they had to lie on the form and say they didn't know who the dad was.

That is one of my frustrations. If Hillary is elected I fear we'll still be at the border, only we'll have representatives to hand out candy and des applications down there.

The dad has already lawyered up and tells her that He'll give her 100.00 a week but only after the baby is born and he won't help with any of the birth costs. He also stated that if they have to go to court he will make sure she only gets 100.00 a month. She's totally stressed out.

[amber.hodge]

Cool I go to work @ 9 off @ 3
THIS IS THE BOTTOM HALF TOP HALF LOOKS SIMILAR. Gotta love an 11 yo room!!
http://virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=12129&stc=1&d=1185031367

That would be perfect - I'll show her - once we get in the house I can use my mouse to sand it and restain it for her.

[shannonmac]

That is one of my frustrations. If Hillary is elected I fear we'll still be at the border, only we'll have representatives to hand out candy and des applications down there.

The dad has already lawyered up and tells her that He'll give her 100.00 a week but only after the baby is born and he won't help with any of the birth costs. He also stated that if they have to go to court he will make sure she only gets 100.00 a month. She's totally stressed out.

i don't' know how it is here, but i can't see how that is even legal. A judge will decide based on his income what he will pay, not him. If he was smart, he'd get his act in gear now, b/c its only looking really bad for him when it finally does go to court!!!! has he ever physically abused her or anything like this, does he threaten her? these are all things that could get the police involved...which i don't know if that would maybe help the situation. would it be better to just terminate her employment? then reapply?

[amber.hodge]

i don't' know how it is here, but i can't see how that is even legal. A judge will decide based on his income what he will pay, not him. If he was smart, he'd get his act in gear now, b/c its only looking really bad for him when it finally does go to court!!!! has he ever physically abused her or anything like this, does he threaten her? these are all things that could get the police involved...which i don't know if that would maybe help the situation. would it be better to just terminate her employment? then reapply?


No abuse that I know of. If she were abused, I could set her up in the housing out at Williams Air Force Base for free. The thing is, and I've been through it with my ex....he who has the attorney wins. She cannot afford one.
With my ex husband, he is an executive chef by trade. He would make 40-50 grand a year and then as soon as we went to court he would magically be jobless. For 2 years the courts made him responsible for 0.00 child support for Remi. Then, this last year, I was finally able to get them to impose a wage on him as we were able to prove the pattern of unemployment had a pattern to being only when he had to go to court. Then he didn't pay me, but was dumb enough to go on tv and in the papers with his new job, so I faxed a copy of the newspaper article to the child support enforcement agency and the rest is history.
As for her, this guy won't be in the papers, so she'll have a harder time proving employment.

[Billy 4 hp]

Bounced the situation off my wife who is a Social Worker for Banner hospitals...

First name that popped into her head is Maggie's Place in Phoenix that specializes in pregnant mom's in need (housing, resources, etc)...

Next would be to call the Maricopa County Community Resources and Referral by United Way http://www.cir.org/ Call 602-263-8856 from anywhere / 800-352-3792 within area codes 520 & 928.... She said you will be on the phone for awhile, but once they sort through your information they provide a complete list of all the resources that apply to the person's situation... They answer the phones 24/7... They have info from free diapers and formula to free housing...

Hope this helps...

[amber.hodge]

Thank you - she is calling all numbers I give her - but having to use a payphone. I'm going to invite her over to use the cell phones in a bit here and give her all the numbers. She is also going to try to get gas money from the dad to get out there to goodyear for the car seat - either that or have her mom send her money. (her mom is about as financially strapped as she is from what it sounds) She almost cried when we said we located a bed for her and we came home from the dog park with a hand made thank you card in our door from her. She really is one of those people that you really want to help because they are truly in need and willing to do anything you tell them to in order to get out of their situation.

[jporvaz]

Infant carrier which doubles as a car seat is available. Hi-chair also. I realize it's a little soon for the chair but if she would like it, it's hers. See what else I can dig up. My grandkids are 4 and 2 and my daughter may have some stuff stashed away.

[amber.hodge]

That may work better as I have no clue how she's going to afford getting to goodyear and back.
Ben will call you in a few to arrange, thank you. :)

[Digger]

Abandon, Abandonment, this word, you wouldn't believe how heavy it weighs in a court of law. If she should speak with him or others he is involved with, she should use this word as often as possible.

[amber.hodge]

I agree. There is a lot more to fathering a child than a couple hundred bucks a month after the birth. He should be helping with these bills, he should be helping with the doctor copays. After all, if she weren't on rest on doctor's orders due to being pregnant, she wouldn't have this problem.

[Digger]

He's bluffing, might not even have lawyer yet. Anyway, I'm not the type to butt in to personnel affairs, but tell her to save any scrap of evidence proving he abandoned her, such as the apartment rent thing you mentioned earlier. everything and nothing to small to keep, it will make it a quick trial when time comes. tell her to keep diary of sorts of everything that happens now, including people who donated stuff that she needs, and he took. I'm not taking sides, just thinking of the baby and it's start on life. good luck

[amber.hodge]

I'm on the baby's side. Ben and I are mulling over letting her rent a room in the house for dirt cheap for a couple of months to get on her feet if she gets evicted over this stuff. Also, since he entered into the lease with her and then left, she should have some ammo to get him to have to pay part.

[Fire Ball]

What are this woman's long term prospects? How long has she been on leave and for what reason, is it the pregnancy only? Can she go back to her job? What benefit is there to being on leave rather than terminate, would it be better to terminate her employment to have access to more care for the baby?

What are her employment prospects? How can we teach this woman to fish rather than just help her for today?

[amber.hodge]

She'll be back on her feet after the baby is born. Right now, she is due aug 31. On May 9th she was placed on bedrest. She is seen at the high risk pregnancy ward at the hospital Bimonthly. She also is severely asthmatic and cannot take her meds as the baby cannot be subjected. Many reasons. Anyway, UoP has crappy maturnity benefits and even worse medical leave benefits - she shortly ran out of her pay for this and has been without pay for a month. If she leaves her job and terminates her employment, we just make her unemployed and what if she can't get her job back or get another job right away - it is financial suicide. The daddy had said he would help and be there financially during this period, but he left her holding the bag 3 weeks ago. I would normally side with you on this and say this for anyone in this circumstance, Bill, but this is one of those oddball situations where someone is not being an idiot, is not doing anything wrong - they just got dealt a really bad hand and need help getting through with a few little issues until she can make it through. I went through the exact same thing last year except for Ben didn't walk out on me - he just didn't make much money then and all his help still couldn't cover all the bills. I have been there and I know it is a crappy situation. Thats why I'm being an advocate for her.

[amber.hodge]

Also, even though she is not getting paid for being out of work at all, she still has her medical benefits from work. She terminates and she loses that. I really think it would be very unwise to go that route, Bill, although I do think she needs to get a different employer when she is able to.

[Fire Ball]

Just exploring options and trying to find what her needs are, short term or long term. I have to study for a check ride tomorrow and Monday but I'll think this through a little. My sister works for a law firm in PHX but it is corporate law. Maybe she can steer us toward some legal help though.

Maybe this guy just needs to be reminded of his obligations :D

So where are we at now? What does she need in the next 48 hours?

[amber.hodge]

the next 48 to 72 hours should see her in an apartment with no power....in the summer....with a high risk pregnancy - I've steered her to "Mesa Cares" which is an org that paid my utilities last year. Also, I don't know how she is doing for food, but we are going to start inviting her over for dinner to alleviate some of the pressure on that item.
within the next week she will have 800.00 outstanding for rent and need to pay another 575.00 on top of that. I see an eviction by mid august if she doesn't find a place to help with rent (non profit org).
Within the next month, she should be having a new baby boy and will still be without a crib, diapers, bottles. Ben's grandma is in France but upon her return next month she may be able to help with the diapers and formula as she does a lot of non profit work for women with children in Mesa.
Also, this idiot (his name is Bjorn - not a very manly name....not a very manly acting person for walking out) is not helping financially. She will need an atty or at least a paralegal to help file paperwork, and he should be responsible for half of the birth copay of 500.00 as well and some of the time spent off work when she has had no wages due to carrying his child....I don't see him paying it out of court.

[jporvaz]

Who has the utilities? I think SRP has an account for folks with troubles. Could be wrong.

[Fire Ball]

Her best bet might be to make a clean break from this dude, forget any trivial amount she might get and have him gone for good.

As I said I'll do a little research and see what I can come up with.

My next door neighbor works for SRP, I'll get his input too.

[amber.hodge]

our complex is SRP.....she's called them and I believe she is a couple bills overdue. I don't think they did have that last year.....I think APS has something like that but I'm not sure. I know Mesa Cares works exclusively on power and utilities and emphasis is placed on homes with children under 6 and pregnant women for the assistance.

Bill - thanks - and yes, I agree. Sometimes I wish I didn't have child support and just had Remi to myself. Especially when he flakes out on a month of visitations and cancels last minute or takes him just to have his latest girlfriend babysit him while he is at work or wherever - I'd much rather never ever have to explain to my son why his daddy can't see him this week....and last week....and next week too.

[Papa Mo]

Some churches also help with utilitties if i'm not mistaken.

[ademster]

Amber...

I have a infant car seat call me

[ademster]

and not to mention a lot of Infant boy clothes... and Bottles...

Call me and talk with Amy I am sure she is willing to donate some stuff...

[amber.hodge]

Cool - I will - I think we got the infant car seat covered now. And a high chair.

[amber.hodge]

Well, I forgot to cover a base. Her car just got repossessed.

[RED78]

On the back of my SRP Bill there is a notice about "Project Share " "A Program that is administered by the Salvation Army which is designed to offer emergency energy-related assistance for Arizonans who are experiencing financial crisis. "
Hope this helps, Bob.

[Papa Mo]

Well, I forgot to cover a base. Her car just got repossessed.

Really!!!:mad: did they get the car seat along with the car??

[RED78]

In the same envelope with my SRP bill there is a newsletter with an article "SRP counselors provide assistance" 602 236-8888
goes on to say they have programs ...Economy Price Plan...and offers referrals to those exper. crisis or low income situations....energy funds ,food,shelter ,clothing ,medical care....
Bob.

[amber.hodge]

I'm going to have her try Mesa Cares then Project Share - they usually don't take walk ins and they are only open on weekdays. Told her to get an appt after 3 when ben will be home or at 4 when I will be.

Yes, she had just gone to the fire department to have them install it for her the right way too. It was a really beautiful one too, so I'm going to have to help her locate where the repo company has it and see if she can get her personal belongings out of it. Apparently a lot of other stuff of hers was in it too. It was a brand new civic, so I assume they want payment in full or she loses the car, so we are suggesting to try to get a loan for a grand and get a beater car for that.
She knocked on the door to use the phone last night at 1:30 when it happened and daddy works nights. He actually told her to stop bothing him because he wasn't going to help her with anything anymore since they aren't together anymore. Jerkface.

[amber.hodge]

In the same envelope with my SRP bill there is a newsletter with an article "SRP counselors provide assistance" 602 236-8888
goes on to say they have programs ...Economy Price Plan...and offers referrals to those exper. crisis or low income situations....energy funds ,food,shelter ,clothing ,medical care....
Bob.

I'll make sure she calls it. I think that she has thought up to this point that she is not elligible for those programs since she is employed. I let her know since she has not been able to work since 22 June and is not being paid, she falls into elligibility for these things - just to bring the doctors note putting her on bedrest with her in case they give her any trouble.

We brought her dinner last night, and while I'm out of town this week I went ahead and told Ben to invite her over for dinner so that she is at least eating.

[Papa Mo]

I'm going to have her try Mesa Cares then Project Share - they usually don't take walk ins and they are only open on weekdays. Told her to get an appt after 3 when ben will be home or at 4 when I will be.

Yes, she had just gone to the fire department to have them install it for her the right way too. It was a really beautiful one too, so I'm going to have to help her locate where the repo company has it and see if she can get her personal belongings out of it. Apparently a lot of other stuff of hers was in it too. It was a brand new civic, so I assume they want payment in full or she loses the car, so we are suggesting to try to get a loan for a grand and get a beater car for that.
She knocked on the door to use the phone last night at 1:30 when it happened and daddy works nights. He actually told her to stop bothing him because he wasn't going to help her with anything anymore since they aren't together anymore. Jerkface.

:mad: :mad: :mad:

[amber.hodge]

Well, yeah, that made me very mad. I'll get the seat back, but the dad is an a-hole. Mom isn't any better. Told her daughter last night that she shouldn't be pregnant in the first place - she doesn't care that she and bjorn were together 7 years, she won't be helping her.

[Papa Mo]

Well, yeah, that made me very mad. I'll get the seat back, but the dad is an a-hole. Mom isn't any better. Told her daughter last night that she shouldn't be pregnant in the first place - she doesn't care that she and bjorn were together 7 years, she won't be helping her.

when u told me that yesterday I could not believe my ears..maybe she should not be pregenat...but the fact is she is!

[amber.hodge]

I know, but we can't make her mom act like a mom. My dad took the same stance last year, and he hasn't talked to me since. Some parents just lack skills in.....well....parenting.

[Fire Ball]

Who needs a car with the wonderful rail system we have going in :(

I left a message with my sister yesterday but I haven't heard back. I'll be done with training today and will have more time to contact some people.

[amber.hodge]

Okay, I spoke with the rental manager for the complex this morning. She is laying off on the eviction until September to help out. Also, and fortunately for the neighbor, the lease is in HIS name and this means all financial actions will be against him not her. I have her going over to WIC next door to the complex right now, the manager has a list of places for her to call, and today once Ben gets home he's going to sit down with her and make up a list of all of her immediate and short term needs, bills, income of any sort. Then we are going to compile a list of organizations which can help with each issue and start contacting them. Once this is all done, we are going to see where she stands and where the shortfalls are. She already has an appt with DES on thursday, is walking in with WIC today, and has called SRP - she was not aware of the family share program and they didn't mention it either and passed her off to "mesa cares" who do not accept calls on utilities until after 5 on mondays and rent until after 5 on Tuesdays......That sucks if you have an emergency on Wednesday.....

[NVRSTUKXJ]

Amber....the Methodist church at Power and McDowell has a food program where she can go "shopping" for what she needs.....I'll try and find out the hours/days for it.....

[amber.hodge]

Sounds good. I just went over there to her place. WIC will not help her because when she was working prior to 22 June she made 200.00 too much a month to qualify and until the baby is born or she goes 90 days without employment, she is not able to get assistance from WIC. She needs non perishables and parishables. I just went over to inventory her fridge and cabinets for a list and all that she has to eat is

12 string cheese individual packs
1.5Gal milk (expired last week)
1 jar peanut butter
1 package eggs (expired last week)
1 Package mac and cheese

She is coming over to call Mesa Cares at 5:00pm in 10 minutes and I need to find out something to do for food. We don't have money ourselves for anything until next week as wells fargo double charged the account for the jeep payment this last week, otherwise we'd be able to do more right now. We can help more next week.

[amber.hodge]

mesa cares is ringing......and ringing.....and ringing.....and ringing....

I looked it up and it is Red Mountain United Methodist and they are our next call. They can do non perishable, but I bet we'll need parishable, which someone from the club was very charitable to offer to help with a few items this week.

Does anyone know of anywhere else we could try to get assistance from? Cannot get through to the Mesa Cares right now, but are trying.
DES said no at first, but now she has an appt on Thursday to go another round
WIC said no, come back when the baby is born
Trying the methodist church....
anyone know of anywhere else?????

[amber.hodge]

Mesa cares - she had the phone ringing on speaker phone 3 times between about 20 diff. busy signals and kept trying. then got a message:

Sorry, all appointments are made for this week, call next week.


Her power gets cut off on Thursday. Who can we call now?

[ademster]

How much is her Bill?

I can loan some money

[amber.hodge]

Adam,
That is really sweet, but I don't think that she needs to incur more debt that she'll likely not be able to repay. I'll call you, though......haven't talked to ya in a couple days. :D

[Fire Ball]

Talked to my sister and she'll ask around her office tomorrow about lawyering her up or at least finding someone who can help.

Tell you what, for now I'll pony up $30 no strings attached, I'll see if I can do more. I chalange anyone else to do likewise.

I'm tired of giving to charities who don't do anything any way so what the heck, I'll give right to someone who needs it.

[amber.hodge]

Thank you so much. Well, at least with your charity, you know your help is going to a US citizen who just had to sit at WIC and DES this week and watch illegals get help as she was turned away. She's been crying all week. Tears of joy when she got the twin bed from Papa Mo and the car seat from JPORAZ......of dispair with the countless times she's been turned away and the repo. I'd imagine she's on a roller coaster. :(
When I asked to open her fridge so we could find out what she needed, she said "sure", then when we looked inside, she just started bawling. I can't think of anyone I've ever wanted to take the pain away for more in my life.

We can make our own charity:

Angela's Jeep Angels :D

[jporvaz]

I'll match you, Fireball.

[amber.hodge]

You guys are so amazing. We will be pitching in money as soon as we have some post to the account later this week, and I know that you two just together have 30% of her utility bill money raised.

[Fire Ball]

I talked to my next door neighbor who works at SRP and he is making a couple phone calls. Hopefully will have an answer soon as what her options could be.

[amber.hodge]

Angela asked me to do this for her. She wants you all to know she is amazed by strangers' generosity. She is shocked, really. She wanted everyone to know where their money was being spent, so instead of giving money to her, she asked if I would post her SRP account number and bill summary on the forum.

Account number is 487-292-006
Phone number for SRP is 800-258-4777
total amount due is 394.65
amount overdue is 255.14

I know for a FACT mesa cares will not pay amounts due. Only currently overdue and she can't get an appointment this week and next week she has to do the phone call thing again. It would be better to go through them for rent since that is a larger amount due.

Please post up if anyone helps on this so that she can send a thank you to you, as can we.

[amber.hodge]

Bill, that would be great. I know she is pinching pennies and not spending money frivalously... If the SRP bill can go away or reduce by half that would be amazing.

[ademster]

I cant come up with 400 bucks I didnt think it was that High...

but I'll do $50
so far that is 130... if some more people chip in we should have the amount quickly

[amber.hodge]

Yeah, she hasn't been able to work for 30 days, the boyfriend left her high and dry with the apt and took half the furniture about that long ago....summertime will rack that bill right up in Arizona. I know our MPower is about 7.50 a day right now because the walls and insulation suck so bad here.

Thank you so much Adam. I know we are doing as much as we can right now, but we may end up with a roommate in the new home for a bit, which we're still discussing.

[Fire Ball]

I cant come up with 400 bucks I didnt think it was that High...

but I'll do $50
so far that is 130... if some more people chip in we should have the amount quickly

Fine I'll make it $50 you jerk :) , but that is the highest I can go for now. I'm sorta living pay check to paycheck myself but is sure is nice having my wife home all the time :)

As far as names go, just tell her some idiot you know had nothing better to do and just decided to help out for grins. Just tell her to pay it forward someday. :D

Man I love these little smileys, can't you tell

:) :) :)

[ademster]

IM living paycheck to pay check and skimming by barely... if it wasnt for my side jobs and what not... I would be well in worse shape.

But I hate to see someone like this struggling..

Especially expecting a newborn soon... it just hurts me to see it... All my friends in California know I will give anyone the shirt off my back..


If the people I have loaned money to paid me back this Friday... I would have close to 10K and thats no joke. But I would never ask for it back, in flagstaff I loaned a friend of mine 1400 to pay his mortgage just so his girls will have a place to sleep every night.
because if he missed one more payment.. the house was going to foreclose.
If I had the money I would just pay it in full.. or I could put it on my credit card....

[amber.hodge]

no credit card debt. 50 is more than she could ever have dreamed of. Having 150.00 toward her bill is going to bring joyful tears to her eyes.

[Fire Ball]

I'll wait to see what SRP says, maybe she could use the $$ for food or something if they are willing to work with her.

I'm going out with Carrie to get some stuff done, I'll talk to you later or tomorrow to see how to get the money to her.

[ademster]

Well if you can oull some strings with SRP...

Then I will use the money to go buy Groceries.

Milk. steak, fruits, etc.

[ademster]

Hell I have some steaks in the freezer.... I have Ground Beef.
hamburgar Buns... Hot Dogs.... come get them she can have them...

[amber.hodge]

I've got her calling right now to speak with a resource specialist at SRP - She already got hold of one this morning and that is how she was able to get an extension to Thursday. It is her 2nd or 3rd extension of the disconnect date if I remember correctly.

[ademster]

I can;t belive this crap..


I mean, todays society is so F U C D E D

all these damn illegals get foot stamps welfare crap, wic free medical. credit cards with huge limits, etc...

I am one of the hardest working white men you will ever meet... and I don;t get **** from state or federal.

I tried to get states assistance when Mikey was born... but we made to much money... but our debt to income ratio was where it needed to be to qualify so we were qualified for god knows why.

When Amy and I had our miscarriage. we dint have medical insurance.
we went to the city for help.. and the lady helping us said we didn;t qualify either...

we get the letter in the mail and it said I made 8000 a month
if i made 8000 a month do you think my arse would have been in there trying to get assistance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Amber Call me I have stuff she can Have.. we are leaving for a week.... we have just about a Gallon of milk.... few steaks 1/2 pound of Ground Beef.... Buns, Hot dogs... etc...

[amber.hodge]

Shut off is Thursday. That was the same department she spoke with this morning. :( :( :( One of the jeepers offered to help with groceries to get through the week (perishable) and Ben's grandmother runs a small non profit that gets non perishables for families and formula and diapers so that base is covered. Her non profit doesn't have the funding to pay rent or utilities, unfortunately, and she suggested the same resources we've already tried.
Looks like the biggest wolves at her door are the utilities and the rent right now and we are trying mesa cares tomorrow on their rent phone call day.

[TRLR8TDTJ]

Why dont you open paypal account so it will be easier for us to donate money. I have been busy past month or so taking care of wife and new son. I would like to just send money paypal to make it easier for me. I know I sounds selfish, but I have been pretty busy. Neither my wife and I have worked in over month, but I will throw out $50 also.

Kyle

[amber.hodge]

I don't know how to do that. (I'm a retard I'm sorry)

[amber.hodge]

Okay, ADEMSTER has an account and he'll post up the information and is running the card that goes to the account over here in a few minutes.

[ademster]

TO DONATE MONEY ANGELA POST MONEY INTO THIS PAY PAL ACCOUNT adam@levonius.com I AM GOING OVER TO AMBER'S HOUSE TO GIVE HER MY PAY PAL DEBIT CARD SO SHE CAN USE IT TO BUY EVERYTHING ANGELA NEEDS


FOR FURTHER QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT AMBER DIRECTLY.

Be sure to note that the money you are posting is Angela Donation so we can have the names of people who donated so we can send out thank you cards.

[amber.hodge]

I will be at the border tomorrow and Wednesday, but Ben will be here his number is 602 214 1620 and we will ensure that we spend the money on Angela's needs very responsibly and ensure that her most important needs are met first. Thank you all, I never expected so much help, nor did she - of course that is what separates her from the illegals - they come to you for a hand out and she is embarrassed but so very grateful.

[ladyjeeper2004]

Amber,
I hope the third time is the charm! I've been trying to post up a reply for over an hour and it says I am not authorized to perform this operation! Jeez!

I am a social worker and I am sorry I didn't see this thread earlier.

Call the Mesa Community Action Program. They have utility disconnect and eviction money. They usually run out by the end of the month so she may have to wait until the first. They also have a telephone assistance program where they will provide a basic landline for 13 a month.

Foodshare is another good program that anyone may use. It's a box of food worth about 50 bucks that you buy for 14 either in cash or food stamps. It's real food, too...milk, meat and fresh vegetables. I know she has neither right now but for future reference...

The Family Advocacy Center is another good program. They help stabilize struggling families. They have any kind of help needed, whether it is child care , housing, bus vouchers, training, clothing, even dental work and a car or two. I've had some of my clients go thru this program and they are still independent...the longest for 3 years.

I have the Community Info and Referral book mentioned previously in this thread at the office so I will look thru it tomorrow for more resources.

Amber, pm me your number as I can't sign on at work and I'll give you the numbers for the Mesa CAP office and Foodshare.

Chari

[amber.hodge]

We called them, and they gave us all sorts of resources. All said either call later this week or that they were out of money at this time. She did call the mesa community action - the resource and referral gave her that number. She is going to be trying all of them starting tomorrow for Mesa Cares and MCAP on the 1st and all others in between for the rent money. The only problem is that they keep telling her that since she is employed and has only not been paid for 30 days that she is inelligible. They also tell her to call when the baby is born. She was told by the des she couldn't get food stamps and she even said she was 8 months pregnant.

The utilities are cut off on Thursday and noone we have called (and we've called all we have been told of) is able to help. She is getting non perishable food and needs perishable food. If you can give ben a call tomorrow at 602 214 1620 and give him more numbers, that would be great. She's willing to do anything.
Tonight when we sat down with her we asked if she wanted our help, and she said yes. Then we told her our help meant she followed through with every single thing she was told to look into or do or call 100%. She's willing, so if you can help with resources, we'll pony up the cell minutes. :D

I can say objectively that the utility money has to be gotten. It is 107 degrees out and she needs a fridge to cool food. Perishable food is needed too.

And looking at the fact she is due the 31st of Aug but is having complications so that means she'll have a minimum of another 6 weeks with no income. Hopefully by then DES pulls their heads out of their 4th points of contact.

[amber.hodge]

As I'll be out of town and ben's not familiar with navigating blog forum, please send any and all information on resources to our home email address:

amberhodge@cox.net

[ademster]

Amber copy and paste my info on your first post my thread with my paypal on the front page...

Thanks Raymond for the Donation.

[amber.hodge]

Copy.....done....

Thank you TRLR8TDTJ for going out of your way to come to the apartment and drop off cash. It will be applied to keeping her utilites on.

[amber.hodge]

Thank you raymond! Thank you Kyle! Adamster (adam) is here with the card, and we will be handling the donations and making sure they are spent wisely.

[amber.hodge]

John and Russell, thank you so very much!

[Fire Ball]

So in the mean time is this young lady getting some food and medication? Probably too late but is she on vitamins or any other supplements?

Can she even cook if she does get food? Why is she on bed rest?

What has a doctor said about her condition and that of the baby?

I'll try to get some money to you today can this paypal account be used to pay SRP or is that separate?

I think I want to meet her to see if there is some way we can turn this into a media shat storm. It ticks me off that there are sooo many who abuse the system and get away with it and when someone actually falls through the cracks and needs help there is nothing available.

[Cave Gimp]

Amber, how much is still needed for the SRP bill? I would hate for all our donitations to come up a few $ short. Post when you get a chance.

[jporvaz]

I just talked with Ben. He will do an accounting in about an hour and give me a call back. I'll post the update when I hear from Ben.

[ademster]

I think we need a total of 400 to pay the complete SRP bill..

we are as of right now short. some money..

As for food what ever we have left of the donations after paying the srp bill will go towards buying food for Angela.

As for reason why Angela is on bed rest is because she was leaking amniotic fluid...
As for Medication and Vitamins I dont know.
for food she has been eating dinner and what with Ben and Amber.

[jporvaz]

I still haven't heard from Ben with an update.........

[Fire Ball]

Let's not pay SRP just yet, if it is in HIS name why bail him out, let them turn it off and we can start her out on her own account from fresh and get her a couple more months of elect. Let's not just throw this money at it till we have a plan. I'm waiting to get more details from Ben. I'l help her get new service started.

[ademster]

well we wont be able to get her service... the lease contract is in the guys name. all utilities are in his name...

fortunately the landlord is going to allow her to stay there for a little longer.
as for srp they wont let her open a new account in the same apt. number because there is an outstanding bill... and the lease is in his name..

unless she can convince the apt management to change the lease into her name.. then there is a chance.. but she has evictions in her credit already.

[ademster]

but your right I don't think we should pay the srp bill just to bail this dipsheat out... but I don't want her to be with out a/c

those small apartments get hot... and quick.

I have the same view on this subject as you do fireball... todays gov has their prioritys backwards,...

I told Amber to have Angela go to Catholic Church and as for Charity.. they have whats called Catholic Charities regardless of your religion.


What I am confused about is why she is receiving short term disability. or at least vacation pay, and sick leave.. if she has been at the company for 2 years like she is stating then they by law because she was ordered to stay home on bed rest by a Doctor.. then they have to pay her Short Term Disability... she pays for it every damn paycheck.

something doesn't seem right.

[TRLR8TDTJ]

Maybe she can get one of those things installed where she can put money on srp card?

Kyle

[ademster]

With my paypal... the money donated we are able to spend it on/ anywhere needed..

Its a Premier account so we can use it any where master card is accepted.

[TRLR8TDTJ]

but your right I don't think we should pay the srp bill just to bail this dipsheat out... but I don't want her to be with out a/c

those small apartments get hot... and quick.

I have the same view on this subject as you do fireball... todays gov has their prioritys backwards,...

I told Amber to have Angela go to Catholic Church and as for Charity.. they have whats called Catholic Charities regardless of your religion.


What I am confused about is why she is receiving short term disability. or at least vacation pay, and sick leave.. if she has been at the company for 2 years like she is stating then they by law because she was ordered to stay home on bed rest by a Doctor.. then they have to pay her Short Term Disability... she pays for it every damn paycheck.

something doesn't seem right.


Short term disabliity is a benefit offered by company, not state law. You can buy that kind of insurance on your own if company does not offer that benefit. FMLA is state required, but that just lets you have the needed time off work with position waiting for you when doc says you can go back.

Kyle

[ademster]

Well she should use her vacation pay.. and sick leave...


thats almost a months worth of pay there...

I don't think she is trying hard enough.. but can't blame her I met her and she is an emotional wreck.

[Fire Ball]

I think we are making progress. The landlord is going to help out. She can pay the back owed money on SRP and keep the lights on. The appt. will evict HIM but he is not there but sounds like they will roll her into it after the eviction. So she will get about 1 more month out of the appt.

Then the utilities can be switched to the complex then back to her name. I don't like the idea of letting him off but the end result is the same.

Ben is doing some grocery shopping for her and I'll talk to him tomorrow to find out how much more we need and I'll fire him some more money.

Also a church group is going to help her with the rent so I think it would be nice if we could do something back for them for helping out.

Thanks to everyone who is contributing time and money.

Nice to see there are still good people in the world.

[ademster]

We should do a Benefit car wash and all the money received be returned to the church that is donating the Money to Angela

[ademster]

Or do some work around the Church that they haven't/can't get to.

[Cave Gimp]

Talk to the Pastor of the chruch and see what things they would like done. We have enough mechanically inclined folks here, that if they have something big to build/fix I'm sure we could help with that, or as simple as cleaning the property. We could also help them on some charity project they are working on if that is where the help is needed.

[ROCRWLR]

My wife just called and paid 300.00 on the SRP bill. that paid the past due and then some. so the power wont be shut off tomorrow. there is a total of 94.65 left owed on the bill.

Dean and Cherie

[offroadaz]

My wife just called and paid 300.00 on the SRP bill. that paid the past due and then some. so the power wont be shut off tomorrow. there is a total of 94.65 left owed on the bill.

Dean and Cherie

wow, thats awesome! :)

[ademster]

That was totally awesome of you Dean and Cherie...

I will inform Ben and Amber...

[Fire Ball]

Was that out of the money we had or new money? If it is new then there is still about 350 - 400 left and a donation for rent money from the church.

This should be able to get her by for a month or 2 until the eviction. One more month and she should be back at work and start to be able to take care of herself again.

[ademster]

That wast out of the donated money... they just called and paid the ammount.

the money that is in paypal now will go towards food and rent.

[TRLR8TDTJ]

My wife just called and paid 300.00 on the SRP bill. that paid the past due and then some. so the power wont be shut off tomorrow. there is a total of 94.65 left owed on the bill.

Dean and Cherie

Thats awesome!!!!!!!

Kyle

[azcharlie]

We have a changing table and a swing that she can have. Plus some misc. baby stuff.

[amber.hodge]

"This is Ben" WOW thats awesome, Amber is out of town still but I will let her know as soon as i talk to her. Charlie the swing and changing table would be great . Where about do you live I can stop by some day after work just let me know when and where .

[ROCRWLR]

Ben my wife put together a box of food and necessities (spell). I need to know where to drop it off at. friday morning works best for me. if I take the long way home friday and avoid the dirt roads I end up on the east side.

Thanks
Dean

[amber.hodge]

Okay - this is Amber -
Here is the status....and projected bills:

Rent to start the new lease: 545
Deposit for the new lease: 545
Rent on month 2 (she won't be to work and get a check until after month 2 hits): 545
Utilities for new lease (will start her on Mpower): 100.00 to 150.00
Bus Passes: 50.00 or less

Total: 1800.00

How we plan to accomplish this:

808.00 from the church (we have not heard final say from them yet)
400.00 from the donations from the group

This should cover the first month rent, deposit and starting utilities

DES tomorrow I am off work so I will be going with her and vollying for her to get cash assistance.

Mesa Cares/can may be accessed if Rent month 2 cannot be gotten.


We did find out tonight that Bjorn was physically abusive to her but she never made police reports.
We also need to get a paralegal or an attorney to draw something up. He has stated he wants to waive his rights to the baby. This will work out as if he waives custody rights in writing I believe she can still opt to let him see the kid as she deems is fit and she can still put him on the birth certificate and she can still file for child support.....Please correct me if this is wrong, but either way, she wants to get in writing and in legal form his waiving of custodial rights.

I am amazed at the help and support from the group this week. Ang is really amazed too and is shocked. She should be fine from here out - I am hoping that the church is able to come through for sure on the 808.00 - they stated last they were trying to get the funding and plan on paying that for her.

[amber.hodge]

Ben my wife put together a box of food and necessities (spell). I need to know where to drop it off at. friday morning works best for me. if I take the long way home friday and avoid the dirt roads I end up on the east side.

Thanks
Dean

Dean, Please call us on this at 602 214 1620

[ArizonaXJ]

Amber, I know that she is not military BUT you are. We have JAG officers to help us with things. They know other attorneys in the civilian world, They could probably point you in the direction of somebody that could and would help. I know that the JAG we took with us to Iraq hooked up one of my guys with a civilian attorney here in Phoenix to help his wife take care of some serious legal stuff that popped up while we were gone and they did it pro bono and kicked butt and took names.
Just a thought.

[amber.hodge]

So you think I should call Forshey or Palmatier tomorrow???

[amber.hodge]

I know Forshey - been to his new year's party a few years back. I know Palmatier too...

[ArizonaXJ]

Yes. They are both good guys and are all about helping soldiers....Like I said, she isn't military but you are and you would be the one asking for their assistance and under the circustances I am sure they will be able to do something.
Never under estimate the power of the JAG!!!!

[amber.hodge]

Okay......I asked them for a referral a couple of years back and they drew a blank with fam law.

[jporvaz]

You might also try ASU law school. Don't know if there's anyone manning the office but they should be soon as school starts soon. There should be some grad student or someone who can assist or provide information. Does her work provide legal assistance through HR or the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?

[amber.hodge]

Will check....found out why she is not getting any benefits from being on bedrest....is on FMLA right now.

[Wind_Danzer]

Will check....found out why she is not getting any benefits from being on bedrest....is on FMLA right now.

Yea that's unfortunately how FMLA works. No benie's unless you pay into them when you are out.

Is she union (in house or real) or as stated above is there a program at her workplace like EAP?

Also, how many weeks has she been on FMLA already? You only get 12 weeks per calender year.

[TRLR8TDTJ]

Last time I read FMLA laws I thought it stated your benefits remained the same til 12weeks were up, or you went back to work.

Kyle

[TRLR8TDTJ]

http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/statutes/whd/fmla.htm

Read section 104 paragraph c.

It looks like if you dont go back to work they can send you billl for benefits they paid while out of work.

Kyle

[MadCarlisle]

"We did find out tonight that Bjorn was physically abusive to her but she never made police reports.
We also need to get a paralegal or an attorney to draw something up. He has stated he wants to waive his rights to the baby. This will work out as if he waives custody rights in writing I believe she can still opt to let him see the kid as she deems is fit and she can still put him on the birth certificate and she can still file for child support.....Please correct me if this is wrong, but either way, she wants to get in writing and in legal form his waiving of custodial rights."


Not an attorney here but here are a couple of cents?

If he is physically abusive to her, What is to prevent him from being abusive to the child during visitation? Especially since he has left her high and dry right now.

People like this generally won't change.

Ask yourself "Why" does he want to waive his rights? Answer - Because he does not want to support her or the child.

Birth Cert - If she doesn't put his name on as the father, it becomes a real fight later on to prove paternity including DNA testing; read court battle! There are legal ramifications to this decision and they should be considered very carefully.

Child Support - No name on the birth certificate will probably lead to no child support. Of course, she should probably expect he won't pay anyway but then Sheriff Joe can go after him.

Waiver of Rights - Do it right with proper and legal court papers filed etc. He can still be listed as the "Sperm Donor" on the birth cert and can waive rights of visitation and legal custody. By doing it this way, it should preserve her rights and the childs for child support.

At some point he needs to pay monitarily and legally for his actions.

[amber.hodge]

Yea that's unfortunately how FMLA works. No benie's unless you pay into them when you are out.

Is she union (in house or real) or as stated above is there a program at her workplace like EAP?

Also, how many weeks has she been on FMLA already? You only get 12 weeks per calender year.

She has been on FMLA a little over a month. She should be using the full 12 weeks. Not union. No EAP unless you pay into it prior. By the time she needed it, it was too late. Plus, UoP's medical and all other programs cost an arm and a leg and half the other arm and leg to pay for monthly.

[Wind_Danzer]

http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/statutes/whd/fmla.htm

Read section 104 paragraph c.

It looks like if you dont go back to work they can send you billl for benefits they paid while out of work.

Kyle

You have to pay your portion. I delt with this with my DOL case worker when my company denied me FMLA for the shoulder injury (which they finally said they messed upon and I got intermittent FMLA). I was working light duty to keep my benes portion paid and my travel benefits but she would have to pay what portion she normally would monthy if her employeer doesn't have this. Since she is on bedrest and couldn't take advantage anyway she would have to pay.

Your benes would stay the same though. They can't lessen (or increase) the plan.

I've put a call in now to verify. I'll post up once I get an answer.

Here's some more info, if her plan is like the one described below, they it doesn't fall into it the same way, this is how my company got me:

For purposes of FMLA, the term ``group health plan'' shall
not include an insurance program providing health coverage under which
employees purchase individual policies from insurers provided that:
(1) no contributions are made by the employer;
(2) participation in the program is completely voluntary for
employees;
(3) the sole functions of the employer with respect to the program
are, without endorsing the program, to permit the insurer to publicize
the program to employees, to collect premiums through payroll deductions
and to remit them to the insurer;
(4) the employer receives no consideration in the form of cash or
otherwise in connection with the program, other than reasonable
compensation, excluding any profit, for administrative services actually
rendered in connection with payroll deduction; and,
(5) the premium charged with respect to such coverage does not
increase in the event the employment relationship terminates.

[amber.hodge]

Kyle and Jamie - great info -

Mad - I agree 100%

I just got back from bringing Ben lunch in Florence, so I'll run next door and see how the appt went for her.

[amber.hodge]

Please see help needed for a pregnant neighbor (cont)